Vibrant artwork welcomes patients to new healthcare facility

Another new healthcare facility in Australia has been enhanced with a unique piece of indigenous art.

The installation is part of Q-bital Healthcare Solutions ’s commitment to supporting indigenous communities, and acknowledging and honouring the traditional owners of the land on which their facilities stand. In this case, the  Turrbal people.

The most recent artwork to be commissioned is painted by local artist Kulkarawa Meeanjinu . Entitled ‘River Dreaming’, the piece is inspired by the Brisbane River and local creeks that have been central to the livelihood of inhabitants for thousands of years, continuing to give life and provide health to the many who dwell on Turrbal soil.

The painting, which is displayed at the entrance of the complex, has recently been presented to the hospital hosting the new healthcare facility and represents a positive symbol for healthcare workers and patients alike. Each time one of their healthcare facilities is set up, Q-bital acknowledges the traditional owners of the land by commissioning a unique piece of art. Every design featured is created by a local indigenous artist, and illustrates a small piece of the extraordinarily rich history of storytelling from the Dreamtime.

The installation in Brisbane follows the commissioning of another painting in a Queensland hospital. The other painting, by Toowoomba artist Domi Doolamai, speaks of the birth of ‘Munda’ - the Earth.  It illustrates a very uplifting story that describes how the world was given life, how the world was able to take it first breath, and how with each creation of rivers, trees and animals, the world took another breath.

The painting represents a positive symbol for healthcare workers and patients alike, and it is hoped the initiative will be seen as a modest way to show respect to the Indigenous communities around Australia and the Torres Straits, and that it will help increase awareness of their rich and vast heritage.